The Glory of the Lord Endures Forever

13 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.
21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
22 The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.
23 Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.
24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches
31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Psalm 104:1-2, 13-15, 19-24, 31-34 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith isn’t a one-time done and over affair. You must choose to trust in God like you choose to breathe—moment by moment. Guard against going through life like the double minded man who confesses to believe, but when tested sinks into questioning whether God’s word is true. Rather be like the dearly loved son of our heavenly Father that you are called to be, who has taken faith in God as the rule for his life, and grow to spiritual maturity by fighting the good fight. Eagerly expect to learn how to enforce the victory our Lord Jesus Christ has won for us on the Cross. The word sown in a heart that is made receptive by faith will surely bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. The farmer does not need to understand all the mystery of what happens beneath the surface after the seed is sown. God knows. The farmer’s part is to prepare the soil by breaking up the rocks and removing the weeds. And after having sown the good seed, to wait for God to give the growth. Have faith in God, be a doer of His word, and the harvest will surely come in its due season.

Question

What is old age?

Answer

Old age can be the dawn of eternal youth or the sunset of eternal hopelessness (Matthew 25:14-30). The light of the gospel makes all the difference (John 1:1-17). The number of our days is determined by God (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 6:1-3; Psalm 91:10-16), and maintaining strength equal to our days is our responsibility as good stewards of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:31). The Wabi-Sabi of our outward tent (2 Peter 1:10-19; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18), and the cultivation of the fullness of Christ within (Philippians 3:1-15), is a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16). Old age is for abundantly bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Psalm 1:1-4; Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 92:12-15) and the joyful harvesting of good works (Matthew 9:35-38; Ephesians 3:14-19; Matthew 28:18-20).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Holy Father, creator and sustaining wisdom of all that is, both in heaven and on earth, take from me those thoughts, actions and objects that are hurtful. Give me instead those things that are profitable for me and all who seek rightly to praise you. I ask this grace in the company of all believers and through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is, with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

God’s Gifts for Joyful Living

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

God never has a need for a plan B at any time. Get quiet and listen. Hear the Lord speak to your soul “according to your faith be it done unto you.” God works everything out for good for those who love Him. So, be at peace even when your best laid plans fall apart. Nothing surprises God. Absolutely everything is in His hands, from the cosmic to the quantum. He can change everything for you in an instant. Trust in His love for you. Is not steel hardened in the fire? Is not a diamond formed under pressure? Does not muscle require resistance to become stronger? Likewise is faith developed…in the fire, under pressure, and with resistance. Trust God our Father. He alone is truly good and infinitely better than the very best any human father could ever be. Pray for what you need in the full assurance of hope based on the knowledge of the facts that whosoever asks will receive, whosever seeks will find, and whosoever knocks the door will be opened. And if it is delayed, wait for it. Glorify God by giving thanks to Him even before seeing the blessing as you remember the faithfulness of God. Praise Him for His goodness and chase away every doubting thought.  Always ask according to the will of God and the needed grace will come. 

Question

What is the fear of the Lord?

Answer

The fear of Lord is a treasure available to all who are born again by God (John 1:12-13; Isaiah 33:6). It is having such a reverential respect that the child of God will immediately flee from anything displeasing to God knowing that such a thing is harmful to self and by very definition called sin (Genesis 39:7-12; 1 John 3:9-10). This is the same reaction seen in a person who is allergic to bees: the fear of bees will cause him or her to avoid being stung at all costs (Job 28:28). A spark from the fire has the same nature as the fire (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our God is a consuming fire and anything incompatible with God is harmful to our new nature in Christ Jesus (Deuteronomy 5:1-5, 23-29; Psalm 24:3-6; Hebrews 12:29). Knowledge of the holy is essential and it is wisdom is to depart from any evil way (2 Peter 1:2-11; 1 Peter 1:13-25). This we do not merely as a duty as some of our fathers under the Old Testament Law did (Isaiah 29:13-16; ; Romans 3:18; Matthew 15:19-28). Rather, we whole heartly obey because we want to do it (Jeremiah 29:13; Ephesians 4:23; Romans 8:6-7; Galatians 5:16-26; James 4:1-7). It is never hard to do what we love to do (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 24:32). This is why the fear of the Lord is a treasure within us (Psalm 119:11-20; 1 John 5:3-4). The fear of the Lord is essentially faith that works by love (Hebrews 11:1-6; Jude 1:20-21; Galatians 5:6; Jude 1:24-25).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord Promises Peace for His People

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. Psalm 85:8-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The simplest truth is far better than the most appealing lie. You have to live a while to see the power of the lifestyle you have chosen. The consequences of a “burning the candle at both ends” type of lifestyle often takes years and at times happens so slowly that it is hardly noticed. We wake up one day and all at once realize how much we have changed, or how badly we’ve aged. The sooner you turn from sin and reach out for the Lord the better. Confess to the Lord, forsake every sin no matter how small, and turn to Him with your whole heart. There is power in the name of Jesus Christ to break every chain. Blessed is the one who can see the wisdom of seeking to enter in by the straight gate and following the narrow way that leads to eternal life.

Question

How do we enter into the rest of the Lord?

Answer

There was only one way for the Israelites in the Old Testament and it the very same way for believers in New Testament times (Hebrews 3:7-14). While the Israelites in the promised land had to face giants and conquer cities walled up to the sky, modern believers have different giants just as dangerous and strongholds just as impregnable that must be conquered (Numbers 13:27-14:11). The giants we face today aren’t the sons of Anak, but the sons of volatility, ambiguity, uncertainly and complexity. Check any news source with today’s headlines and you will see their foot prints everywhere (Matthew 24:1-12). The equivalent of the cities walled to the sky for us are strongholds of ever increasing iniquity without, and unchecked sin within (Isaiah 33:1, 10-17; Revelation 2:18-29). There is but one way to enter into the rest of the Lord and that is by belief in the gospel (Isaiah 50:10-11; Hebrews 3:14-4:2, 9-12; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Philippians 4:11-13). Not with a belief that waivers with an intermittent current that depends on circumstances and feelings, but rather with a faith that holds steadily to the knowledge of God (Romans 1:16-17). The rest of the Lord is a peace that surpasses understanding even amidst storms and enemies on every side (John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7). Still, the rest of the Lord doesn’t make us passive or idle (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). On the contrary, the rest of the Lord inspires us to go to work with the full assurance of hope in the fact that through our Lord Jesus Christ we conquer all (Romans 8:28-39; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessing and Favor of the Lord

8 Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psalm 5:8-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Prayer is connecting to the divine power source in order to build up and then release the power of God on earth to do His will. God promised Elijah it would rain, and Elijah had to pray seven times before the charging of his prayer was complete. When the power is released is up to God. Our part is to continue in prayer and hold on in faith until the clouds part, the fire falls, or the dew drops down from heaven. It is a shameful tendency we have to take our blessings for granted and offer only complains for every little thing we find distasteful instead. Any morning you’re able get out of bed is the start of a good day. Just ask someone who can’t get up. Break away from the slothful habit of hitting the snooze button. Get up, give thanks, and joyfully get busy with praising the Lord.

Question

How is the favor of the Lord like a shield?

Answer

Though there be lots of different secondary causes, many of which mean harm, nothing can touch the believer who loves the Lord without the permission of God (Job 1:6-12; 1 Peter 4:15-19). The will of God is absolutely good, but the moral government of God demands freedom of choice, responsibility to choose what is right, and accountability for each choice (Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm 33:5-9; Revelation 22:12-14). God allows this fallen world to limp on until the manifestation of all the sons of God (Romans 8:19-23). The wicked go on from bad to worse slinging flaming arrows dipped in poison (Isaiah 33:11; Psalm 34:21; 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 13-17; Mark 16:17-18; Matthew 4:5-7). If God allows any evil thing to touch the believer, the poison of it He transmutes so that all things work together for good for those who obey His commandments (John 14:15-27; Luke 12:6-7; Romans 8:28). The armor of God is the inner liner of the perfect protection of the shield provided by the favor of the Lord (Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 7:22-25; Ephesians 3:14-21). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

My Heart Rejoices in the Lord

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33:13-22 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Get after all the good that God has placed a desire in your heart to do. Jesus Christ has finished the work of salvation, now all that remains is for us to grow up into that salvation. He has provided the armor and the victory is sure. Still, we must be willing to put on the Armor of God and fight the battles. Don’t linger in your comfort zone for more than a 10 count, or else you risk drifting off to sleep and suffering a TKO of your high design and calling in Christ Jesus. Keep moving forward in faith. And when things become overwhelming, take a knee and rest in God by faith and prayer. Do this when fatigue sets in and learn to take your rest in the Lord alone. Do not seek it elsewhere. Be still and abide in the Vine. Know that this is the will of God for us all. He who has sent you is mighty and has already won the victory for you. Be bold. Step up and claim the victory.

Question

How do we obtain the full assurance of hope?

Answer

Step 1 is to seek to know more about God from study of the Word (Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 2:15). Mediate on the confident certainty of the trustworthiness of God (Psalm 1:1-2; Hebrews 4:12). Step 2 is to conform your whole life according to the Word (Psalm 119:9; Proverbs 16:3; Romans 12:2). Step 3 is to pray for the full assurance of hope (Proverbs 19:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Hebrews 6:11, 10:36-39), and receive it by faith (Hebrews 11:30-40; Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 1:9-10). Just as a rudder chances the direction of a boat after a slight delay, God will surely grant it. Hold steady the course helmsman (Habakkuk 2:1-3; James 3:4; Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 32:17, 30:1-3; Revelation 1:3-6).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Delightful Are the Commands of the Lord

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
32 The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
33 For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
34 Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
35 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
36 The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein. Psalm 69:30-36 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The effectiveness of prayer starts with our understanding of its necessity. Our prayers are God’s appointed means for receiving His grace. God has ordained from the very beginning that the power of God would reign on the earth through man. That is, through the prayers of you and me. Truly, He is more willing to give than we are willing to ask. So, repent of the unbelief that spawns the grumbling and complaining that so easily slides off the tongue at the first little sign of discomfort or trouble. Better to do what the Bible says: fix your eyes on Jesus and pray for the grace you need. Praise and thanksgiving to God are especially refreshing to the soul during hard times. It doesn’t matter whether you have little or much, without gratitude it will not give you any lasting contentment. Praise the Lord. Blessed are all who have been given eyes to see, and ears to hear, that lasting contentment grows from heartfelt gratitude toward God. 

Question

What is the difference between work and play?

Answer

Play stops when it is no longer fun (Luke 15:13-14), whereas work still needs to be done even when it isn’t fun (Luke 15:15-19). All honest work is honorable no matter how great or small, but he who refuses to work is a shame to us all (Proverbs 26:14-15, 10:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Hard work can be enjoyable, even though it is seldom fun (Ecclesiastes 3:13). Be wise and learn from the ant (Proverbs 6:6-11). Though it may leave you sweaty and stinky, hard work is good for the body, soul, and spirit (Proverbs 14:4; Ecclesiastes 9:10; John 9:4; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 6:10-12; Galatians 6:18). 

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

God is Our Strength and Shield

2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84:2-12 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Denying self, picking up your cross, and following Jesus Christ is the only true path to freedom from the conformities of this perishing world. Once we are born again in Christ, then is it high time to work out our salvation by fortifying the mind with the word of faith. Believe the gospel and resist the wiles of the devil. The concept of object permanence, or the understanding that objects continue to exist even when we can’t see them, develops in the human baby according to scientific researchers at about 8 months old. In like manner, growing up in our salvation means to understand that “God is” even though we can’t see Him. And praying to God is the highest privilege of the child of God. Show me who you pray for, and I will show you who you love. Tell me who prays for you, and I will tell you who loves you. How fortunate it is to have people praying for you. It is the evidence of the love of God in the heart that compels a saint so do. Gold and silver are nice, but prayer is of far greater value. Therefore, pray my brothers and sisters, pray.

Question

What do Christians believe about prayer?

Answer

Prayer is to the spirit what breathing is to the body (Psalm 116:1-2). In both cases, life often begins with s slap on the bottom to stimulate breathing and prayer (Psalm 119:67; 2 Peter 3:15; Romans 2:4; Proverbs 17:10). The prayer of faith means to pray believing that God hears (Ezekiel 36:24-29; Jeremiah 29: 11-13), believing that our prayer is pleasing to Him (1 John 1:9; Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 19:14), and believing that He will answer (1 John 5:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 2:13). A believer is a person with trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-8), and the prayer of faith is a rope of three cords that is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Psalm 27:13-14; Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Delight in The Lord

7 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 104:31-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Faith moves in the direction of your mental focus, just as every experience motorcycle rider knows that the bike naturally moves in the direction set by the gaze of the eyes. For safety’s sake, the rider must learn to look where he wants to go and not where he doesn’t. This is sound advice for riding motorcycles as well as proper stewardship of the soul. Reasoning is a specific kind of mental focus that will either hinder or support your faith. Reasoning focused on deciding whether or not the Word of the God is true only weakens faith. If however, reason is used to support a biblical worldview, faith in God will grow stronger. The Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant provides us with a perfect example (Luke 7:1-10). O ye with mustard-seed-size-faith, refuse to doubt the Word of God and seek in all things to please Him. Pray in faith for the removal of every mountain that needs to be moved, and it will be moved for you. Only believe the gospel.

Question

What is praying in faith?

Answer

Praying in faith is the opposite of worrying about something (Matthew 6:26-34). The difference between the two is a matter of focus (James 5:13-18; Mark 11:22-24). Worrying is as easy as falling off the preverbal log, but so too is praying in faith just as easy (Isaiah 28:29). Faith and worry are opposite states produced by the direction of our attention (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 1:5-8; Romans 4:16-20). Faith meditates on the greatness of God and His precious promises (2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 19:14; Hebrews 11:6). While worry ruminates over a problem or situation that is sometimes real and sometimes only imagined possibility (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). So, lift your focus off the problem (1 Peter 5:7). Pray for the grace you need and then be determined to chase away every bird of prey (Genesis 15:1-11).  Shift your focus off the problem and up onto God, the source of every solution, then you will be praying in faith (Philippians 4:8; 2 John 1:8; Psalm 104:34, 92:1-2; Ephesians 3:14-21).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

O Lord My God, Rejoice in Thy Works

31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 104:31-35 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Everything is just as it should be. This is hard to accept for the carnal mind that is quick to point out all the suffering and wickedness in this fallen world. The carnal mind has only the shifting sand of circumstance and the cloudiness of current conditions on which to build their belief of reality. The wicked fail to acknowledge that our God reigns now and forevermore. He sees the end from before the beginning, and He ultimately works all things together for good for those who love Him. Things may not yet be as you or God would have them be, but things are as they should be given your minute-to-minute choices of words and deeds. Here is an important understanding: just because we have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, the fundamental principle of sowing and reaping remains. Don’t like what you are reaping,? With faith and tears change what you are sowing, and the providence of God can then perfect everything that concerns you. You can overdrive the headlights on a car, but you cannot overdrive your belief. The spiritual headlights of the soul are formed by our beliefs. This is why there are so many voices in this world seeking to influence what we believe. To what or whom are you going to listen? The Word of the God is sure, flawless, unchanging, the Rock that can always be trusted. If there is a secret to wellbeing, it’s turning away from everything which speaks contrary to the Word of the God. The true light is the Word. Faith comes by hearing the Word, and hearing comes by the Word of God. Just as no one expects a car to move without first properly starting the engine, faith moves first, then God gives in answer to faith. 

Question

How much faith is necessary?

Answer

Little faith is enough in the beginning (John 20:27-29; Romans 1:17). The Word of God is the seed (Luke 8:4-15; Psalm 126:6). As we give ourselves to prayer and cultivating the Word (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 10:4; Acts 6:4), faith and spiritual fruit grow (Mark 4:26-31; Galatians 5:22-23). Once faith has enlarged to go all in (Psalm 118:27; 1 Timothy 4:15-16), placing all the life on the alter before God (Matthew 16:21-26; Proverbs 16:3), then true fitness for this life and the next begins (1 Timothy 4:5-6; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Jude 1:21-25).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

No Evil Will Be Allowed To Conquer

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Psalm 91:8-13 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

The superabundant provisions of the holy God of all power and might are available to every child of God. The love of truth is among our precious gifts from God. The more truth we believe, the more lies we are able to reject. As we learn to practice the truth more and more, even the bitter things in life become sweet in the end. Renew your mind with the word of God and then you will know the good and perfect will of the Lord. That is just one of the glorious commands and promises of God to us. Faith requires your willing attention to hold on to the out stretched hand of God, and turn from everything that has even the appearance of evil. The power to become a child of God has already been given. Believe this truth by faith, and be who Go created you to be. 

Question

What does it mean to be born again?

Answer

It is not a physical re-birth at all (John 3:1-7). It is not something we can do or feel, as it is altogether a spiritual phenomenon were only its effects are seen (John 3:8-21). Chief among these effects is a spiritual allergy to sin (1 John 3:9-11). Being born again doesn’t eliminate the possibility for the child of God to sin, only that he or she will be ill at ease with any habitual sin (Romans 7:14-27; Galatians 5:16-17; Romans 12:1-2, 8:6-7). This is the new man’s nature that comes with the spiritual re-birth (John 1:5-13; Ephesians 4:17-32). The old man must be willfully denied and put on the cross to die by the power of the Spirit, so that the new man can follow Jesus Christ in the newness of life (Matthew 16:24; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Colossians 3:1-17). Robots can do massive amounts of physical work, AI can manipulate data faster than a speeding bullet, but only the born again Christian can produce fruit (Matthew 3:1-10; Galatians 5:19-29; 2 Peter 1:2-11; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep me, I pray, from all things that may hurt me, that I, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with a free heart those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.